Roy Barnes to join 2010 race for governor
Roy Barnes will announce today that he intends to become the first former Georgia governor in a half-century to reclaim the office after being turned out by voters.
The announcement is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at the Marietta Conference Center. Barnes, we’re told, will delay the actual start of his campaign until July, in order to wrap up some trial work and finish up as chairman of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
Former Gov. Roy Barnes/Rich Addicks, raddicks@ajc.com
Barnes, 61, enters a field already occupied by three Democrats — Attorney General Thurbert Baker, House Minority Leader DuBose Porter, and David Poythress, former commander of the Georgia National Guard.
Six Republicans are in the contest.
Despite a huge financial advantage, Barnes was defeated in 2002 by Sonny Perdue, an upstart Republican state senator from middle Georgia. Both chambers of the Legislature quickly shifted to GOP hands, removing Democrats from control of the state Capitol for the first time since the mid-19th century.
Barnes settled into a law practice in new offices off the Marietta Square, and eschewed any suggestion of a return to the political field. A spokesman for the state GOP called Barnes “about as popular as Michael Moore in a VFW hall.”
But Republican infighting in the Capitol and inaction on a number of issues — transportation at the top of the list — created an opening for a return, and starting late last year, Barnes began indicating a change of heart.
“Yes, I’ve had a lot of the business folks come out here. Sometimes they just show up. And basically, what they say is, ‘Listen, you need to try this again, ‘” Barnes said from his law office in December.
In a series of speeches and appearances earlier this year, Barnes struck a populist tone, condemning the grasp of special interests on legislation passing through the Legislature.
For the last several weeks, the former governor had kept even close friends guessing. Word leaked that fund-raisers, pollsters and strategists — those who would be involved in the nuts-and-bolts of a campaign — had been interviewed. But even close friends said they were unsure of his path.
The former governor dropped a large hint at a party fund-raiser in May, when he assessed other Democrats already in the race:
“There’s a verse in the Old Testament that says the people perish where there is no vision. And I’m looking for vision. And in that category, I haven’t seen it yet. It’s not that they’re not good folks. It’s just — listen, we can do better.”
Polling in anticipation of a Barnes return indicates the former governor becomes the immediate favorite in the primary, though he also carries the burdens that caused voters to reject his bid for a second term — teachers who resented his attack on a tenure system, Confederate enthusiasts angered by his hauling down the ’56 state flag, and residents found themselves the path of a now- defunct Northern Arc.
But Barnes also brings to the race a well-known name that resonates with many voters, including African-Americans, an ability to raise cash, and — perhaps most important in a down economy — the ability to invest substantial dollars in his own campaign.
Barnes’ entry into the race is also likely to help fill out down-ballot contests. No Democrat has yet to enter the race for lieutenant governor. State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond, a Barnes ally, has been mentioned as a possibility.
But to return to the Governor’s Mansion, Barnes will first have to win a primary. His fellow candidates have promised he’ll get no cake-walk — and have recommended that he remain an elder statesman for the party.
At that Democratic fund-raiser back in May, Porter, the House minority leader and newspaper publisher from Dublin, said Georgia hasn’t changed that much since 2002.
“You know, I appreciate Roy,” he said. “But, you know, the problems he had before are still there. As I travel the state, I’ve supported education, I’ve supported teachers, I’ve supported smaller classrooms. The things that were out there for him before are still there.”
Many governors, with their terms constitutionally limited, have attempted gubernatorial comebacks — E.D. Rivers, Marvin Griffin, Ellis Arnall, Carl Sanders, and Lester Maddox included.
But the last ex-governor to win re-election after being ousted by voters was Gene Talmadge — the namesake of Roy Eugene Barnes.
Talmadge was elected to two, two-year terms in the 1930s, and then a third term in 1940. But he lost a primary fight in 1942, the result of a backlash that came from his interference in the state university system.
Talmadge won re-election in 1946, but died before taking office.
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176 comments Add your comment
Graham Balch
June 3rd, 2009
12:27 am
I am a teacher and let me tell you what I think of Barnes entering the race: fantastic! Each year, each week, each day that we do not make significant reform in Georgia’s education is another year/week/day in which the disgraceful achievement gap exists and that Georgia’s education lags that of other states. We have bright students in Georgia – let us give them a bright future. Good luck Governor Barnes – there are many high performing teachers who support you.
Roy Barnes to announce 2010 governor bid | Fresh Loaf
June 3rd, 2009
12:31 am
[...] Jim Galloway has the news — and some spot-on analysis: Roy Barnes will announce today that he intends to become the first former Georgia governor in a half-century to reclaim the office after being turned out by voters. [...]
Eric P.
June 3rd, 2009
12:41 am
Couldn’t agree more, Graham. Roy understands and genuinely seeks to help. Needs to lay off the dictatorial tone, but easily outclasses any candidate on either side.
ATL Scouser
June 3rd, 2009
12:44 am
YES! YES! YES! Finally someone with reason, vision, and sanity enters the race for governor. We’ve had to endure the worst of reactionary politics on both sides of the aisle for the past eight years. This ugly side of politics of Georgia has always been here since Day 1, but Barnes was able to muddle through that BS and provide rational and thoughtful leadership during his days in office.
There’s a lot of unfinished business from his first term–namely and primarily improving our transportation infrastructure. Good luck, Mr. Barnes! You have one Georgia voter here (and maybe even a campaign volunteer) rooting you on whole-heartedly!
2010 Barnes Gov.!
June 3rd, 2009
1:14 am
Wonderful! Gov. Barnes is an honorable man who has distinguished himself by making difficult, but accurate choices for the direction of our state in the face of intense political pressure. Georgia needs a visionary like him to guide us through the economic perils we currently face so that we can continue to be a beacon of light for the region and the nation. Happy Days are Here Again!
Bill
June 3rd, 2009
1:15 am
You need to look what DuBose Porter has done. He is head and shoulders above Roy in education. DuBose won in a republican strong hold Dublin, with 75% of the vote. That number is strong my friend. This man hunts, believes in people owning guns, huge Christian, believes in education, he is a true southern Democrat!
AstroTurfing For Barnes
June 3rd, 2009
1:18 am
As ATL Scouser, Eric P., and Graham Bach all said I think Barnes is GREAT. He is a man of the people who understands how to WALK SOFTLY and CARRY A BIG STICK. And as the writer points out he shares a name with someone who sorta did this before. I’d die to vote for Barnes everyday.
PaidToPostComments #674
June 3rd, 2009
1:18 am
Wow! You guys posted this impressive set of polished prose within a half hour of it being posted! It took me that long just to read the article, but I guess thats why I don’t get paid as much to post comments.
Nocumentum
June 3rd, 2009
1:18 am
One could not by intentional design come up with a worse group than the miserable, do-nothing, corrupt and intellectually-bankrupt individuals that presently control the Gold Dome. Our horrible 10-year experiment with the neo-cons has set the State of Georgia back 2 decades and must come to an end. The voters need to wake up and throw the bums out, one vote at a time. There is not a single area in which the neo-cons have advanced the interests of children and the working men and women in this state; our public education system is in shambles and moving backwards, there is absolutely no leadership in place to address our transportation or water problems, and no one, but no one, in the Republican party really gives a damn. To the contrary, they seem intent on destroying public education and doing everything possible to protect the interests and profits of insurance companies, utilities and whoever else will throw millions of dollars at their campaigns, all the while pandering to the religious right and the other anti-intellectuals, who value their own self righteousness over everything else. Roy Barnes is an honorable man, with the character and intellect deeply needed to fill the void of leadership that is holding this state back and slowly turning it into one of the worst places to live in the union. I only hope that the voters will listen and think before they once again are taken in by the shallow and useless dogma of the Republican right. Good luck to all of us.
Kris in Loganville
June 3rd, 2009
1:23 am
This is VERY welcome news in my household! I had hoped Roy would run against Saxby Chambliss last year but after he declined, I held out the hope that he would go for the governor’s office in 2010. Great! We need his experience, his wisdom, and his knack for dealing with issues from a very humane and concerned standpoint. The Republicans have a lot to worry about now because Roy is the only Democrat in Georgia at this time who has broad support from Georgians of every background. Let’s hope he takes it all next year.
Go Roy!
Georgia Teacher
June 3rd, 2009
1:51 am
Hey, Gun, I see that you did everyone one of the previous posts. Scary days are here again! Yes scary days are here again! Ole Roy Eugene is here again! Yes scary days are here again!
Roy actually thinks that the problem is teaching standards, not behavior standards. It’s the discipline, Governor!
Eric P.
June 3rd, 2009
1:56 am
Not getting paid, just believe in the man.
DeKalb Teacher
June 3rd, 2009
1:56 am
Perhaps if Roy gets elected, he can give Crawford Lewis some do-flunky job at the Capitol and give the DeKalb County Schools some hope. We hope. Crawford Lewis is a terrible superintendent.
DeKalb Teacher
June 3rd, 2009
1:57 am
No, G Man, you blog for free. OCD.
Budih soetadi
June 3rd, 2009
2:03 am
good luck Mr.Barnes, hopefully you are gonna win to become a governor as democratic party …and i hope sonny perdue will lose. hate and racist in his soul and i believed he will lose.
Sam Wetherson
June 3rd, 2009
2:20 am
If those uneducated confederate flag loving citizens of Georgia wouldn’t have been so upset about the flag Georgia would not be in the shape it is today.
independenthopeful
June 3rd, 2009
2:34 am
maybe roy barnes gets it this time. he will not rely solely on pollsters, tv media and snot nose kids thinking they know how to run a campaign. georgia democratic candidates sorely needs leadership since their party chair can’t seem to figure out what leadership means. if roy wants to win he’ll have to realize who the base of the party really is and reach out with all his resources. Otherwise, we’re back to 2002.
BRIAN WILEY
June 3rd, 2009
2:34 am
I SEE A NEW ERA COMIN TO GA OF LOCAL AND STATE MODERATES ABOUT TO TAKE CONTROL OF THE WAY THINGS ARE DONE IN THIS STATE GOV BARNES HAS THE MOXIE THE KNOWHOW AS WELL AS THE POLITICAL TOUCH TO DO WHAT THE THREE AMIGOS OF THE STATE PARDUE-CAGLE-RICHARDSON CAN’T GET THIS STATE MOVIN IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.
Michael in Decatur
June 3rd, 2009
3:17 am
Get ready for that Northern Arc Task Force to rev up their engines again, turning urban planning into an emotional “how-can-you-do-this-in-my-backyard” issue. If we’d have built that road back when we had the chance countless lives could have been saved, pollution would have decreased and Georgia would be in better economic shape than it is today. But no, the NIMBY special interest group outsmarted us all…..this will be an interesting election…
bubbies mommy
June 3rd, 2009
4:08 am
Run, Roy Run! We need you….remember the errors of the past, move beyond them, come back stronger and wiser…you will succeed!
Barnes is in (and I’m undecided) — Peach Pundit
June 3rd, 2009
4:39 am
[...] Barnes is in. [...]
Barnabus
June 3rd, 2009
4:54 am
This is good news and if Roy can tone down his smart-ass, arrogant streak and get himself elected, he can do us a wonderful job. We need to get Georgia moving again and out of the quagmire Sonny, Romeo, and Cagle have us in. What a disgraceful performance.
Interesting
June 3rd, 2009
5:13 am
It will be interesting to see what Roy’s education platform will be. I truly believe that he angered a huge contingency of teachers in this state and this is a group (along with their families and friends) that gets out and votes and that is why he lost to Sonny. Roy, choose your words and campaign promises wisely. We will give you a second chance but we have not forgotten your previous actions and you know, actions speak louder than words.
Hochimama
June 3rd, 2009
5:24 am
My shattered nerves, this is going to be fun. Two big time primaries ( if the other Democrats stay in ) and an old fashion horse race of a general election. Can Michael Thurmond for LG be far behind???
theoxwillnotrule
June 3rd, 2009
5:25 am
From someone who works in the industry the ox regulates, thank god! Get ‘em Roy
SWGA Politics » Blog Archive » [UPDATED] The Requisite Roy Barnes Speculation Post
June 3rd, 2009
5:27 am
[...] According to AJC’s Jim Galloway, Barnes chose option B. Tags: Roy BarnesPosted in 2010 Campaigns, Editorial [...]
Bobby
June 3rd, 2009
5:29 am
I would never vote for a scalawag as Governor. He proved his dishonesty with the ‘56 flag. And I intend to help him stay retired.
Bobby
June 3rd, 2009
5:35 am
I will vote for any Democrat other than Barnes for Governor. The Republicans and Sonny Perdue have not governed the State in the best interests of the people. They have governed it so they could best line their pockets. We do need change in the Legislature and Governor’s office. But Barnes is not the answer.
jt
June 3rd, 2009
6:14 am
Just what Georgia needs. An administration of bottom-feeding societal leaching trial lawyers.
Crooks rejoice!
Billy Bearden
June 3rd, 2009
6:31 am
Ga education dropped from 49th to 50th under King Rat. Northern Arc padded his cronies wallets. The Mercedes plant was a HUGE FRIGGIN LIE. Rat King redistricting, gerrymandering, and strong arm tactics were the norm. His terrible treatment of teachers. Ethics? NOT! The universe’s most hideous ugly nasty flag that lasted all of 110 weeks – that only 212,000 people out of 8,000,000 wanted.
Just say NO to the deposed King Rat Barnes.
Power Breakfast: Roy Barnes, NCR, Equitable | The Biz Beat
June 3rd, 2009
6:37 am
[...] Roy Barnes to join 2010 race for governor [...]
Bitter EX democrackkk
June 3rd, 2009
6:43 am
He’s WAY too old and tired…AND Georgia student have a VERY bright future with the Lootery behind their college tuition…duh..AND he’s a friggin democrakkk, a MEMBER of the ORIGINAL ‘party’ of SLAVERY! NO to ALL democrackkks everywhere, they have RUINED Amerikkka!
American worker
June 3rd, 2009
7:04 am
Fool me once, your fault… We won’t be fooled again.
NO THANKS ROY!
MiltonMan
June 3rd, 2009
7:15 am
DemoRats in the state banking on a “has been loser.” North Fulton is alive and well in terms of great schools & low crime. This is a Republican strong hold where Roy is not welcomed.
SWGA Politics » Blog Archive » Today’s Headline Around the State
June 3rd, 2009
7:32 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Jim Galloway broke the story at [...]
2BT
June 3rd, 2009
7:44 am
Still a teacher, still haven’t forgotten! No way in HELL you’ll get my vote. BACK TO THE ROCK YOU CLIMBED FROM UNDER KING RAT!
Tom
June 3rd, 2009
7:47 am
GO AWAY BARNES! You had your turn and were handily defeated in the end. Obviously the posters on this article have no memory of your first term as Gov. We don’t want GA to turn into a mirror image of a California with extremely high taxes services only for the poor, look at them now. I hope you are defeated in the primaries…
By the way, the only people who read this rag newspaper are Democrats so i am not supprised by all the positive comments.
Tom
June 3rd, 2009
7:58 am
Great! With Barnes running again it gives me another shot at voting for whoever opposes him.
Dennis
June 3rd, 2009
8:03 am
This is great news ,anyone beside a republican who have no new ideas in dealling with this state many problem like educating our childrens .Mr Barn have my vote.
Get Real
June 3rd, 2009
8:04 am
Bobby @ 5:29, I think SONNY showed his dishonesty with the flag. He used it was a wedge issue to get your vote, and then left you in the cool Georgia breeze. At least Roy’s intentions on the flag were the truth, even if you disagree with them. Perdue just used it to get your vote.
2BT @ 7:44, what exactly has Sonny done for you lately? Oh yeah, cut education funds forcing districts to cut your salary. He would be the most qualified candidate in either party running and I’ll gladly support him. All he needs to do is say he will sign a bill making Sunday liquor sales legal and he’d have a leg up on these religious zealots.
The Rat is Back
June 3rd, 2009
8:05 am
It’ll be fun watching Roy lose this governor’s race like he has been losing all of his trials since he left office. Roy his a disgrace to Georgia and has no business running again. I’m glad to see the Rat has all his minions working early this morning posting on this blog but it doesn’t matter. Roy will lose this race like he lost the last one. It’ll be funny when he takes the Democratic talking points and starts bashing the rich and saying he will help the little people – remember you can find this website in the archives where the 25+ picture spread where he flaunts his new monstrosity of a home in Cobb. Vote Porter, he is the only sane choice for the Democrats next year, don’t let the rat come back to infest Georgia again.
Turd Furgeson
June 3rd, 2009
8:05 am
First of all Roy appears to be a male impersonating a female that is impersonating a male.
Second, the black cawcuss, no doubt, will be screaming for Ga’s first black govenor…even though they arent racist…tee hee.
Third, there remain too many hurt feeling from King Rat-Roys last debacle as gov…Roy-boy probably wont make the primarys.
Fourth, we needed the arc then and need it now.
BIO
June 3rd, 2009
8:06 am
No need for a King Rat repeat
Bring It On http://www.karenhandel.com
MrAttitude
June 3rd, 2009
8:11 am
WAY TO GO ROY!!!!!
It’s about time to have some common sense and backbone enter the race for the gov’s chair. The last 8 years under Perdumb has been abysmal for the state of Georgia. And with the both chambers being in the majority of the neonuts has made Georgia the laughingtock of the nation.
Graham Balch
June 3rd, 2009
8:14 am
Bill, to reply to your comment about Dubose Porter, I also like Dubose and have spoken to him about education.
To other posters, the vitriol in some of the posts do not contribute to democracy in our country. If you don’t like Barnes or Democrats there is no problem with that opinion because we are entitled to have different opinions in this country – it is what makes our nation a strong democracy. But, please look at the facts and please be professional. Education sank in Georgia because of the Republican Linda Schrenko, the State Superintendent of Education in Georgia from 1994 to 2002 who was convicted of embezzling our tax dollars. On November 10, 2004, Schrenko was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges stemming from her embezzlement of more than $600,000 in federal education funds and sentenced to eight years in prison.
Waitingforchangetocome
June 3rd, 2009
8:16 am
THANK YOU ! Although this reminds me of Louisiana politics of old with Edwin Edwards re-entering the gov. race time after time. I like a risk taking politician. THANKS!
Fed Up
June 3rd, 2009
8:18 am
Go ahead, ruin the democratic party’s chance.
vince neil
June 3rd, 2009
8:21 am
a has been trail lawyer whose family has grown wealthy making sub-prime loans..another “man of the people” who thinks OHB has coat tails….not that the R side is any better….Who is John Galt?
Martin
June 3rd, 2009
8:21 am
You go Roy
Here is a guy who has a very succesful law practice and is willing to come back into Government where all you get is criticism. He was voted out because he had the guts to support the changing of the racist flag and to improve education. Teachers voted against him as a stupid protest vote because they never ever thought that the current gov with a 20 million dollar manna from heaven loan would win.(I am a former Republican because the GOP has not delivered)
He will get my vote and will make the Talmadge comeback.
Shannon
June 3rd, 2009
8:23 am
I just have one thing to say …
Halle”freakin”lujah!
Jones
June 3rd, 2009
8:24 am
I am glad that Graham is not my teacher. I hate to think how he tries to brainwash his students.
itamazesme
June 3rd, 2009
8:24 am
To Turd:
Believe me the Black CaUcUs – does not dictate the vote of a Black american. So, your statement is way off base. Baker is not popular amongst black voters – that is why he is desperately seeking help and assitance from black organizations.
Secondly, if anything, Roy entering the race will prove to be interesting.
SOUTHERN ATL
June 3rd, 2009
8:25 am
Now we have a REAL RACE!!! I am thrilled!!!!
…..and HE CAN win!!!!
JM
June 3rd, 2009
8:27 am
Tom
June 3rd, 2009
7:47 am
By the way, the only people who read this rag newspaper are Democrats so i am not supprised by all the positive comments.
So then, Tom, why are you here and reading this?
PappyHappy
June 3rd, 2009
8:27 am
Great! Maybe he can deliver on what the republicans promised. One party rule does not work in Washington, nor Georgia!
Happily Purchasing Alcohol on Sunday in TN
June 3rd, 2009
8:29 am
What the state of Georgia needs is someone who will bring it into the new century. I lived in Alabama, California, Florida and just moved to Tennessee last week. God it feels great to live outside the conservative baptist bible belt again!!! Sonny Perdue enslaved his beliefs on the people of Georgia to the point it was embarrassing to say I was from that state. How many proposals were vetoed by him after passing the state floor because his own personal beliefs were compromised. He was not a politician for the people but for himself and the puritans and hugeunots (if you understand your history). Thank god the state has the opportunity to elect someone with vision who will bring Georgia the image it deserves. Atlanta has the potential to be the tourist destination but imagine when someone visiting from Alabama (yes, Alabama of all places!) goes into the grocery store on a Sunday, picks up a bottle of wine and Allowing Sunday sales WOULD generate more tax dollars for the state. Talk about back woods mentality in a state that should lead the south…not set it back!!!
JM
June 3rd, 2009
8:30 am
Bobby
June 3rd, 2009
5:29 am
I would never vote for a scalawag as Governor. He proved his dishonesty with the ‘56 flag. And I intend to help him stay retired.
Oh lord, the rednecks have risen again. Where is your white sheet, Bobby?
bill
June 3rd, 2009
8:31 am
Tom,
You are wrong about California. They used a citizens initiative to freeze property taxes 30 years ago. Since then, they have gone from first in public education to last.
optimist
June 3rd, 2009
8:32 am
Well Well…Georgia politics has always been entertaining and this election cycle looks to be a blockbuster. Its interesting to read the comments and compare them. The pro-Roy comments seems to be postive and somewhat nice in nature. The Anti-Roy comments seem to be venimous to the point they almost seem republican.
As a former state committeeman of the Republican Party of Georgia I am embarrassed at how the GOP have behaved under the Gold Dome and Nationally. I am sorry to say that I am now looking to the democratic party to solve our problems in Georgia. Roy was right in that ‘the vision’ was not there. Now that he has entered the race it will be interesting to see how practical and realistic his vision will be.
At the moment I believe him to be our only hope but the conversation has only just begun. To all of you other posters and blogers…. loose the mudslinging, put on your thinking cap, and start listening. You might be surprised at what you see and hear. Don’t stop at the sound bite and friends quips, Go online and do the real research, found out the WHY behind the candidates position and then you can make an INTELLIGENT choice. Knee jerk reactionism is how we got in this mess to begin with.
Gwinnett Parent
June 3rd, 2009
8:33 am
Thank you. Finally, someone who gets it. He will get my vote, hands down.
zeke
June 3rd, 2009
8:33 am
Roy has no vision! He is the typical democrat. Raise taxes, cancel needed roads, make socialist decisions over the objection of citizens, waste more and more money on schools! These are not a vision, but, the same old same old democrat crap! Please let there never be another democrat elected. Obama has only solidified this in me!!
Turd Ferguson
June 3rd, 2009
8:33 am
Roy wears to much lipstick
Happily Purchasing Alcohol on Sunday in TN
June 3rd, 2009
8:33 am
Happily Purchasing Alcohol on Sunday in TN
June 3rd, 2009
8:29 am
oops…one sentence was somehow deleted
What the state of Georgia needs is someone who will bring it into the new century. I lived in Alabama, California, Florida and just moved to Tennessee last week. God it feels great to live outside the conservative baptist bible belt again!!! Sonny Perdue enslaved his beliefs on the people of Georgia to the point it was embarrassing to say I was from that state. How many proposals were vetoed by him after passing the state floor because his own personal beliefs were compromised. He was not a politician for the people but for himself and the puritans and hugeunots (if you understand your history). Thank god the state has the opportunity to elect someone with vision who will bring Georgia the image it deserves. Atlanta has the potential to be the tourist destination but imagine when someone visiting from Alabama (yes, Alabama of all places!) goes into the grocery store on a Sunday, picks up a bottle of wine and is told “sorry, we still practice blue laws here in the state of Georgia…can’t sell it to you”.
Jim
June 3rd, 2009
8:34 am
As a former educator, I have many negative memories of Mr. Barnes. Perhaps you had to be there when he would speak to educators like we were something on the bottom of his shoe. His crass, rude approach was not popular then and will not be forgotten now. And by the way, being a great teacher or administrator does not mean supporting Barnes. If he is the best we have, education and everything else in Ga. is in big trouble. As a democrat, I know we can do better than this guy.
John
June 3rd, 2009
8:35 am
Anybody with a brain in this state will vote enthusiastically for Roy Barnes. He is the only person who can save Geeorgia from the disaster inflicted upon it by Sonny Perdue.
Give me a Break
June 3rd, 2009
8:43 am
BIO are you really serious about Handel? The woman has no college degree… what sort of education platform would she run on? Oh wait… the BS Bush used when saying look at what a “C” grade student can accomplish… becoming president! What a JOKE… I can hear it now look at what someone without a college education can do… they can become Governor of the State that is nearly at the bottom in the education consistently year after year.
optimist
June 3rd, 2009
8:46 am
Zeke,
With out ’spending more’ on education to fix it, we as a state can NOT compete for the really good industry jobs that increases our tax base and our local economies. The stagnation of industry is what is draging down our local economies that inturn among many things impacts the service sector and effects us all.
Turd Ferguson
June 3rd, 2009
8:49 am
The majority of persons that actually attend college and obtain a degree obtain a job and produce squat. I had The President of a company once tell me all a college degree meant to him was someone decided to delay entering the workforce for an addl 4 year.
Yes a degree gets a foot in the door but after that many of these pseudo intellectuals determine they are entitled to do nothing except tell everyone else how smart they are and what to do.
vince neil
June 3rd, 2009
8:49 am
a c grade student like Bill Gates…with no college degree?
vince neil
June 3rd, 2009
8:51 am
ga is bottom in education because of the children who are having children……yeah the schools suck but how come Johns Creek can send it’s grads to the Ivy League with the same curricula?
Outhouse
June 3rd, 2009
8:52 am
The Republicans are in trouble in Georgia not because of the National Party but because of the idiots that have been elected to serve (themselves) in Atlanta. Roy Barnes will whip whoever the Republicans nominate. Sonny and the Legislative “leadership” have made it so…
Red Foreman
June 3rd, 2009
8:57 am
First we gots some “Change” from Presbo da Clown, Now he getz his rappin side kick “Massa Roy Boy”….
HaHaHAHaHa
Jeff
June 3rd, 2009
8:57 am
John @ 8:35:
Actually, I haven’t seen any D or R yet who has the cajones to dig us out of the mess that both the Ds and Rs in this state created.
Our only real hope here is John Monds, the Libertarian candidate.
AH
June 3rd, 2009
9:00 am
Great more turds in the punch bowl
Dilly Dally
June 3rd, 2009
9:02 am
So…Roy…is it your intention to try to make Georgia a socialist state in the same way your boy Obama is trying to destroy the USA? Go to Cuba with Kucinich. And take that horse’s @ss Biden with you.
Les Horn
June 3rd, 2009
9:04 am
When Roy Barnes was govenor he said “we can’t go back to regulating natural gas because the state of GA would face hundreds of millions in lawsuits from the natural gas monopoly marketers.
In the long run it would have been better to pay the millions in lawsuits. The stealing from speculation and manipulation in the energy markets has been slamming the middle class. And with Obama’s myopic CAP and TRADE(TAX) the Democrats want to force ENRON onto everyone will lower the standard of living and increase taxes on the middle class while the poor people get government grants
to pay their energy bills. Energy is the basis for ALL economic development.
Who are the Democrats and Republicans working for?
Diver
June 3rd, 2009
9:07 am
DuBose Porter has been in the legislature for 28 years…and has seen ‘em come and go. As Zell Miller’s floor leader, he introduced the HOPE lottery, and has been a tireless supporter of education. If you look at his record, you will see he would easily make a better governor than Roy. Having said that, anybody would be better than the dumb a** republicans that have run this state into the ground lately.
DHW
June 3rd, 2009
9:08 am
Roy Barnes was pretty much the only public leader in the country to go after “predatory lending” in 2002 — you know, making banks and mortgage companies responsible for risky mortgage loans. Banks and Republicans didn’t like it, and as soon as Perdue was elected, he and his Gold Dome friends repealed all of Roy’s predatory lending laws in 2003. Then the banks went back to underwriting incredibly risky loans to bundle and sell, without worry of being on the hook for future foreclosures and such. That sure worked out well. That’s the difference between a real public leader trying to do the right thing, and pseudo-leaders forsaking common sense for donations and votes.
Roekest
June 3rd, 2009
9:14 am
As a Republican, I can honestly say I’m looking forward to the return of Barnes. Unlike the leadership in Washington, Barnes is a “conservative” Democrat compared to the socialists we have in charge now. Better to have Barnes in office, then, let’s say, Porter.
What the heck were we thinking when we elected a friggin’ veterinarian into office……..
benman
June 3rd, 2009
9:23 am
Way to go Roy. I supported you back when Sonny “do-nothing” Perdue defeated you. Her in Athens we will rally with you! It’s time to return accountability to the governor’s office. What will Longer Linger Corp. do when they are kicked out of our state government?
Yeehaw!
Turd Ferguson
June 3rd, 2009
9:23 am
Predatory lending…LMAO…what exactly is Predatory lending? Last I checked any loan document required the SIGNATURE of the Lendee. This signature imposed that the lendee had read and understands the document in-part and in whole.
So dont all your whiners and complainers come around with your sob stories now that its dawned on ya the you CANT AFFORD what you stated you could afford. You have a LEGAL obligation to pay up so PAY YOUR BILLS or face bankruptcy.
YOU LOSE!!
Turd Ferguson
June 3rd, 2009
9:25 am
PS…banks were FORCED to write risky loans due to your boys Carter and Clinton. Thats a fact.
Predatory lending doesnt exist except in the minds of the black cawcuss.
benman
June 3rd, 2009
9:27 am
Zeke…you just listed all the things that Sonny did.
itamazesme
June 3rd, 2009
9:31 am
Turd – integrity and respect go a long way. You have a right to your opinions, but please stop baiting – the black CaUcus – who are you referring to. blacks were not the only ones who may have been affected by predatory lending…but of course you know that.
TeacherRCB
June 3rd, 2009
9:34 am
Gov Barnes had my support in 2002 and will receive it in 2010. He shook up the education system here in GA and Purdue not only has shaken it, he has broken and make an a–hole out of teachers the last 8 years. The flag was not an issue with me and the Gov made concessions. Many wanted it there way or no way and their choice was not to reelect a good man. Think about what you have gotten the last 8 years. Do nothing politics and arguing among repugs! Come on Georgia, be progressive again. Lets give Barnes another opportunity to finish the great work that he started and get Georgia back on the correct path. This is from a well educated black male educator!
AH
June 3rd, 2009
9:36 am
Well well well, apparently someone on this board is running for office, I guess that is why they are hitching their wagon to Mr. Barnes so early.
Get Real
June 3rd, 2009
9:41 am
Vince Neil @ 8:39, Karen Handel ain’t no Bill Gates. I agree with you and turdblossom that not everyone is cut out for a college degree, and they can still be a valued asset in society. But a GOVERNOR who will oversee a billion dollar budget should at least have a college degree. Not having one and campaigning for the highest office in the state is a non-starter for me.
Raz
June 3rd, 2009
9:47 am
Anti-southern bigotry still will not fly, and will not be forgotten. Barack is more popular in Georgia outside Atlanta than this guy. On the other hand, Roy might be slightly more popular than William T. Sherman.
Teacher flunkies for Barnes
June 3rd, 2009
9:47 am
Please explain how teachers, who already are not being given the support they need in the classroom, were empowered by Barnes’ decision to strip away fair dismissal rights.
vince neil
June 3rd, 2009
9:48 am
GR-college degree is great for a job at kimberly clark or rubber maid and/or if you intend to obtain a professional degree but otherwise has little value regarding the task you mentioned. I am not ready to endorse anyone but as a registered R we welcome Barney’s entrance to the mix as it will help us with fund raising…
Your morning jolt: First reactions to Roy Barnes' entry into 2010 race for governor | Political Insider
June 3rd, 2009
9:50 am
[...] but already Republicans and Democrats — and all those in between — are giving thought to what the entry of former Gov. Roy Barnes means to the 2010 race for [...]
Simon Malls
June 3rd, 2009
9:55 am
We will not be voting for Roy. If you thought his first term as a governor was bad, you see him in action as a trial attorney. For such a big shot in this state (in his own mind), he sure can’t seem to convince any judges or juries to rule in his favor over any of the big cases he fought since he was lost the election. Well, I guess he did win one; he did help that guy in Roswell get to keep his chickens on his property – I’m sure that will really endear him to North Fulton voters. The jury has spoken once in Georgia and they will do it again – Get lost Roy, you are no good.
teacher
June 3rd, 2009
9:55 am
King Roy and friends: Teachers are educated, and DO NOT FORGET. I hope the citizens of Georgia remember our errors of the past so that we aren’t destined to repeat them next year. Sure King Roy is “experienced.” I am looking for someone who has a brain.
Mya
June 3rd, 2009
9:56 am
Turd blossom — You know where most predatory lenders operate? Right outside our military bases, preying on our young service men and women and their families. They take advantage of the hardworking people serving this country. And why are they called “predatory”? Because they make their loan agreement so difficult to read you need a finance degree just to get through them (and I doubt a lot of our soldiers have that going for them), they charge enormous finance charges and interest, and their advertising is deceitful at best. You can exist in your own bubble of denial and racism, but this time it just doesn’t stick.
Will Jones - Atlanta
June 3rd, 2009
9:56 am
Anybody who says Roy Barnes is honorable can’t be trusted.
He was made rich by the banking industry while he was being paid by the People of Georgia to oversee the banking industry…to say little or nothing of the fact that he went to law school to dodge Vietnam.
Life is a battle and winning countries need “horses” that run TO the guns, not away from them like Barnes did during Vietnam. Were he a righteous, wise man other than that and knew for a fact at the time that Vietnam was a crime and treason, why has he remained silent on the subject ever since?
As it turns out his allowing himself to be made rich as a “banker” while overseeing the banking industry in the Georgia Assembly proves he is of bad character so likely was merely a physical coward during Vietnam and not a man of conscience.
Max Cleland is a real man for Georgia. When we were fighting and dying he threw his fate in with us and now in wisdom he quit the 9/11 Commission and said it was a fraud.
How much leadership should Georgians require to see the Light G-d wants for us?
Cleland is the only man of integrity we have for the governorship in Georgia to help Obama bring the Roman Anti-Christ to justice.
Awake Georgia! The Beast isn’t going to cast itself into the Pit. Let’s get off our duffs and do some casting, NOW!
Cleland for Governor or Georgia ain’t got a prayer.
In the know
June 3rd, 2009
10:01 am
I kept hearing about a lot of behind the scenes deception was going on. For example, sexual harassment charges being dropped for a judgeship payoff. A lot of hard working qualified judges were wondering what was going on.
1eyedJack
June 3rd, 2009
10:04 am
I am a teacher in this state and I say which ever candidate is willing to get rid of formula funding for education has my vote. Formula funding is killing us educationally. It doesn’t get teachers to teach better and it doesn’t help underperforming schools perform better. What it does do is make teachers dumb down their curriculums and administrators fudge their statistics and put pressure on teachers to pass students who have no business passing, just to meet the funding requirements.
educate
June 3rd, 2009
10:07 am
Do we not remember the issues with education with Barnes?? His initiatives were going to practically bankrupt the state. While I don’t agree with all that Perdue has done, he inherited a mess with the education system and in some ways it has gotten better, but still has a ways to go. Yes, Cox as Superintendent has had some issues, but have we all forgotten about Shrenko so soon??? She did more damage to the education system than both Perdue and Shrenko combined.
Educated teachers who are Barnes supporters . . . are you serious???
AJC Lover
June 3rd, 2009
10:09 am
As Monty Brewster said – None of the Above.
Turd Ferguson
June 3rd, 2009
10:09 am
Mya
June 3rd, 2009
9:56 am
Sounds as if you’ve been watching too much CNN and BET. Whoever heard of signing an agreement that as you say…”Because they make their loan agreement so difficult to read you need a finance degree just to get through them”. Signing something of that nature is not dumb, OH NO…ITS STUPID.
Then again, under the obamantics/democraptologists EVERYONE IS A VICTIM. Awww well thats a shame and I have no sympathy for some dumbbell who signs and agreement they dont understand. Predatory lending was a term made up by the Dems to ganer votes…no more no less.
Ron Barnes
June 3rd, 2009
10:13 am
Great, Roy Barnes is running again. Now people are going to confuse our names once again. Perfect, just what I need. It is bad enough to be associated with the likes of him but I hate when people think that my wife also looks like Shrek. That is not cool. I hope he changes his mind and drops out – or I will change my name. I mean it!
JJ
June 3rd, 2009
10:22 am
If Barnes were to win, how many terms could he serve? Would he be limited to just one term because he had been governor before.
Raul
June 3rd, 2009
10:31 am
BARNES SUCKS!!!
Mildred
June 3rd, 2009
10:32 am
Exstatic that Roy Barnes is running for Governor. He is the most intelligent Governor we have ever had and the most honest and ethical. He is the only person who I think can straighten out the huge mess Sonnny Perdue and his staff of 12 year olds and retired bankers have made of Georgia. These retired bankers are responsible for the shape the U.S. Economy is ion and Perdue surrounded himself with this group so they could destroy the Economy of Georgia. And as for teachers, you need to to look and see what Perdue has done for you, he has cut funding for education and test scores have not significantly improved, except when the Department of Education manipulates the test scores to show what they want them to show. And Perdue has gone after your retirement income and and tried to cut out your annual pay raise – Roy Barnes would have never done anything like that. He cares for the little people and teachers and unlike Perdue isn’t only interested in the rich the bankers, and passing legislation that lines his own pocket book. It is time for an honorable Governor in Georgia who cares about the little people and has vision and a backbone and isn’t afraid to make and implement hard decisions. Sonny Perdue is just mean and doesn’t like to hear any contrary opinion to his, it’s his way or you are out. Remember his comment last night regarding taxpayers being spoiled because they are complaining that their income tax refunds are not coming soon enough. That is the taxpayers money and should be refunded very quickly and timely. If you disagree with him his neck and head just starts turning red and he starts screaming at who ever disagrees with him and threatens them.
Reid in EAV
June 3rd, 2009
10:33 am
Best news I’ll likely hear all day. As an intown Atlanta conservative who thinks Ga. is seriously on the wrong track in terms of transportation (all cars, all the time) and growth (sprawl), I’ll definitely be voting the Democratic ballot in this one.
John j
June 3rd, 2009
10:34 am
Has everyone forgot Old Roy stole the money from the GA 400 tollway authority to finance a marta station in Atlantic Station. (of course this went to one of his friends) Or how about when Sonny took office to find out the state was $700mm in the red, oh yea Old Roy forgot to talk about that when he was running. Fiscally I agree with a lot that Sonny has done, but I do not like his jumping into “social issues” that let his religous beliefs become his direction versus what the people want. Either party can do better than Old Roy and I hope they do.
MiltonMan
June 3rd, 2009
10:42 am
The only thing that Barney is good at is gerrymandering. Let’s not forget that the clown threw as many conservative voters in as few possible precints.
Loretta Bell
June 3rd, 2009
10:42 am
Mr. Porter’s support for teachers is suspect. At one time his kids were transported from Dublin to Macon so tht they could attend private school. How is that supporting teachers and public education. No other democrat can tough Gov. Roy Barnes, teachers are excited that he is back!!
GaGo10 – Barnes is In « The Perimeter Progressive
June 3rd, 2009
10:42 am
[...] of Jim Galloway, Roy Barnes will announce today that he intends to become the first former Georgia governor in a [...]
Dawg A
June 3rd, 2009
10:55 am
Great news!!!! Under Barnes the General Assembly never passed laws that was done simply for votes! Being a lawyer he knew what would stand up in the courts and which ones were simply grandstanding!!!!!! Now we just need to get the Democrats back in office!!!!
Bobby
June 3rd, 2009
11:10 am
Get Real at 8:04am; Don’t get me wrong. I actually prefer the current State Flag to the ‘56 flag. It is historically more accurate to the 1879 flag. My problem with Barnes and the Flag was the way he changed it behind our back. Whether Sonny lied to us or not is somewhat dubious as it is the legislature that decides what our flag should be and he did get the legislature to give us a vote on the more historically accurate flag or the Barnes flag. Perdue at least let us contact our representatives about the flag even if some still preferred the ‘56 flag. Barnes decided he knew what was best for us and did everything behind our back. I therefore will not vote for him.
Teacher flunkies for Barnes
June 3rd, 2009
11:11 am
Notice that when directly challenged to show one specific policy that gave direct tangible support to teachers in the classroom, the Barnes apologists can’t do it.
wes
June 3rd, 2009
11:13 am
Roy fixed Atlanta’s infrastructure and all DMV’s state-wide in 4 years.
What has Sonny done in 8 years?
Bobby
June 3rd, 2009
11:13 am
To Jim @8:30 Thank you for your knee jerk comment. I’m not a redneck in the least; I’m a very liberal Democrat and rarely (but will) vote Republican. Nonetheless I am very proud of my Georgia ancestors who fought for the Confederacy and will not vote for Barnes after the deceitful manner he tried trashing our ancestors with his flag change behind our backs.
Elmer's
June 3rd, 2009
11:16 am
Mildred, please use our product in the proper way – used for adhesive and not for sniffing glue. We came to this conclusion after reading her alarming approval of Barnes. Please don’t sniff glue and post. Thanks in advance.
OHSO
June 3rd, 2009
11:19 am
Get ready, Roy. You’re going to see thousands of ‘56 flags this time. It’s BOOT BARNES time again!!!
TANSTAAFL
June 3rd, 2009
11:24 am
It’s nice when a forecast pans out.
Now that King Roy has thrown his hat in the ring and roiled the waters in democrat land, it’s time for a secret memo/poll/rumor to leak out and reveal that Nathan Deal is the man destined to lead the Republican effort for the job of Governor in the great State of Georgia.
So the ballot we’ll all be peering at in 519 days will have three choices, Democrat Roy Barnes, Republican Nathan Deal and Libertarian John Monds. The question is do you want more of the same old same old or do you want real change? Vote Libertarian. Vote John Monds for Governor in 2010!
meagain
June 3rd, 2009
11:27 am
roy barnes hopefully gets it this time around. don’t spend 20 million on t.v., know who your base is and spend money with those folks and get the hell out of metro atlanta if he wants to win. don’t hire folks that don’t want to travel around the state and please lose some weight.
Colonel Sanders
June 3rd, 2009
11:27 am
Teachers, once AGAIN please say NO to KING RAT! Show that venomous, villainous rodent the door back to his sewer!
Keith
June 3rd, 2009
11:27 am
OMG… this going to be fun! Most teachers will remember how Barnes screwed them over the last time. The flaggers will be back in force! King Rat will hit the airwaves! I can’t wait!
OHSO
June 3rd, 2009
11:32 am
Enter your comments here
OHSO
June 3rd, 2009
11:32 am
Enter your comments here
ROHO
June 3rd, 2009
11:35 am
I sell ‘56 Ga flags> Thanks ROY, you just made my day!!
Anne
June 3rd, 2009
11:47 am
If Barnes wants to win this race he needs to state where he stands on how dirty the current administration has treated Retired State Employees.
Turner
June 3rd, 2009
11:52 am
Look no further than HR 21 to see the state of affairs in the General Assembly.
North Fulton would like to pull away from the rest of Fulton to recreate Milton County. This resolution would allow them to do so without even having a vote by the rest of Fulton County.
That seems odd to me since we all know, or should know, that Milton joined Fulton in 1932 to avoid Bankruptcy. You wouldn’t know that if you read the AJC or any of Mark Burkhalter’s comments about the legislation. (he also wrote an article for the AJC on it)
The General Assembly went one step further and commissioned $250,000 for a study to be conduced by the GSU and UGA to tell them exactly how much it would cost Milton to separate. It is a roadmap for succession. The impact on the rest of Fulton was excluded from the study.
How in the world do you guys think you are going to get a 2/3 vote with that kind of blatant disregard for the rest of the State who might have a vested interest in what happens to Atlanta after. I would actually support the separation but you guys shot yourselves in the foot with that one. What year is this? Duh.
Here is the study/roadmap…
http://frc.gsu.edu/miltoncounty.html
Jerome
June 3rd, 2009
12:05 pm
I am a republican but I am voting for Roy Barnes. We need solutions to transportation and our budget. I say build the Northern Arc….. I-285 sucks.
Steven
June 3rd, 2009
12:11 pm
Floks….WOW! I certainly can tell who are the racist Republicans. They disagree using a tactic of mudslinging, name calling, and horribly potty mouths. That kind of name-caling did not work in the national elections. I will vote for Roy Barnes! I can’t wait until he wins! On the other hand, I am tired of people in politics only use their office to enrich themselves. Gosh, Gov Perdue (enriching himself) did this with the type of no-doc loan he was able to secure and it appears that Oxendine is following in the same steps as Sonny Perdue. BTW, I would have voted for Oxendine had not Barnes entered into the race. I am a registered Democrat.
Steven
June 3rd, 2009
12:14 pm
Also, Folks plz consider stop borrowing money to finance your lifestyles and then will not look to politicians to get us out of messes. No politician can get you out of what you got yourself into. Barnes 2010!
Get Real
June 3rd, 2009
12:17 pm
Bobby @ 11:10, if the legislature decides the fate of the flag, which is true, then why use it as a campaign issue which Sonny did. And if the legislature decides this as you say, how could Barnes do anything behind you back?
The Real Politico
June 3rd, 2009
12:22 pm
It didn’t take long for the people most harmed by 8 years of republican state government to mimic the same lines and lies that got Georgia in the mess we find ourselves:
We toss our state away over a flag.
We elect a unqualified Education head because we couldn’t get her name right.
We throw away Federal highway funds yearly because we’re the only state in the country That does NOT require seat belts in pickup trucks.
Wake up Georgia!
william
June 3rd, 2009
12:31 pm
Roy is a good man, but he doesn’t compare to the character and depth of Deal. This should be a good race.
Georgia Gal
June 3rd, 2009
12:44 pm
Loretta Bell @ 10:42 a.m., As someone who is very familiar with the Laurens County (Dublin is the County Seat) School System, I am not surprised he did this. I have one relative that still lives there and relatives that grew up there a long time ago and back then, the school system was still a good one, but unfortunately no longer. If I lived in Laurens County I too would send my child to a private school.
Lea
June 3rd, 2009
12:47 pm
Mr. Barnes can count on my support– he has the gumption to lead and make tough decisions when necessary, exactly what this state needs to remain competitive. As an African-american woman,he is a candidate I can get behind. I couldn’t imagine voting for Thurbert Baker.
wes
June 3rd, 2009
12:48 pm
Anyone can fly the rebel flag in Georgia. We just don’t fly it anymore at State run buildings.
If THE FLAG ISSUE is your main concern these days, you sorely need to get a life and a clue. It has zero effect on anything which effects our economy.
Change in Atlanta
June 3rd, 2009
12:51 pm
I am African American I am going to vote for Roy Barnes we need him back as governor the best thing will ever happen to Georgia to see Roy Barnes as governor……….Please Roy Barnes run for Governor beat Karen Handle she a racist.
IVoteRight
June 3rd, 2009
1:08 pm
Change, how is Karen Handel racist?!? But then again, you mentioned you are African American. I should have expected you to pull the race card out.
SOUTHERN ATL
June 3rd, 2009
1:12 pm
The CONFEDERATE FLAG will NEVER represent all of Georgia again!!! We will never get to vote on it again!!! It belongs in a museum!!
Republicans are the new Whigs
June 3rd, 2009
1:39 pm
I think it’s interesting how Handel, Oxendine, and Deal and also Poythress and Porter have their staffers posting on this blog. Now that we have a real candidate Republicans are sweating.
Barnes 2010!
flyfishva
June 3rd, 2009
1:52 pm
Great news about Roy Barnes running for Governor. As for M. Thurmond running for LG- I will wait on that one just as all the unemployed in GA have waited to get info and or funds for the SEB program…why all the secrecy Mr. Thurmond concerning release of the money to all of GA’S unemployed?
rupert cheshire
June 3rd, 2009
1:53 pm
oh my Barnes is back. so that means he will fight teacher tenure! He will be an OBAMA icon, remember the Chryler plant in Savannah that never came to be… That WAS Barnes tot he tune of several million in Tax money? Whet did he do for rural Georgia… Nothing!!!!! Oh yes and here comes the idiot Bobby Kahn again , heidrick Himmler incarnate!!!
He is not for Georgia! he is for himself!!!
rupert cheshire
June 3rd, 2009
2:08 pm
oh yes and remember folks KING ROY’s bestest buddy was Charles Walker over in Augusta!!! Mr Chain gang himself!! Mrs. Senator Harvey over in Savannah was a buddy of his in the chaingang now! and he is defending Crooked Judge Brooks Blitch down in rural Georgia, who burned down his auto dealership and created jobs in county government for kickbacks.. ahhh this is what we need as Gov!!!!!!!
G-Man
June 3rd, 2009
3:47 pm
I must agree with some of the teachers on here. As a state law enforcement officer, Barnes was “less than truthful” with many of his projects needed to improve Georgia’s state law enforcement. With that said, Perdue has not been much better especially in the area of pay. Most of Georgia state law enforcement officers rank near the bottom of the National pay scale. This includes benefits and retirement of course. At this time it is a toss up as to who will be more beneficial for me. One thing is for certain, they will tell you EXACTLY what you want to hear right now. Just don’t try to cash those chips in after they are in office.
Patty
June 3rd, 2009
4:30 pm
Great News. Our transportation system in Georgia with low-grade contractor work is terrible. Roads paved two years ago look like they were paved 20 years ago. When Roy Barnes left office, we on our way to improving roads as well as the Georgia educational system. At that time, the state was addressing our water shortage. Perdue cancelled many of Barnes’ proposed improvements. Can’t wait to have someone who will show the rest of the country Georgia can once again be a great place to live and work.
Jon
June 4th, 2009
12:44 pm
Regardless, Georgia MUST get “Sonny” (Mr. Trout Fishing in Georgia) out of office ASAP. I’m unsure whether the University System of Georgia can wait until 2010 to oust Sonny’s pet-chancellor, and install someone (anyone) with actual experience at that level IN Higher Education. The current chancellor sits on the board of GM, and whenever he recites the old saw, “We need to run higher education more like a business,” I cringe.
Our state economy, though better than some, is in shambles, and with more students are enrolling in college than ever…furloughs for all USG employees are just around the corner. And this travesty will endure LONG AFTER the financial rationale has abated. Count on it. Don’t like some “liberal” professor? Furlough him!
Hey! Here’s an idea whose time is LONG OVERDUE. Anyone & everyone running for state office in Georgia MUST HAVE A COLLEGE DEGREE! Too many of the candidates this year barely graduated from high school. What a national embarrassment!
John Praxton
June 4th, 2009
4:05 pm
Wow, I am sure Denny’s Restaurant chain will be glad Roy is running. They need someone to design another placemat for their tables. Are we for real? Is this the best we have to offer? A washed up has been that couldn’t get it right the first time? Just like the flag issue, he will be pulling the wool on us again. Vote, but for anyone but him!!
Rockmart Republican
June 4th, 2009
8:52 pm
No one up here wants to see arrogant King Roy back in office except those who can afford to buy some face time with him or who stand to gain something from helping him. Heck I’m a north Georgia Republican and I will probably be supporting the Porter fellow just because he is squeaky clean and has an strong, conservative, consistant voting record.
NO MORE KING ROY!
June 4th, 2009
8:58 pm
Great! If Roy gets elected again we’ll get at least a hundred Cobb County elite working in State Government again. Who cares if they are qualified, as long as they know the King. WOOOOOHOOOOOO! Barnes is as self centered and arrogant as I have ever seen and he is killing our party.
EG
June 5th, 2009
1:05 am
I am a long time member of the GOP. But I’ll vote for Roy, because Sonny was a con artist. Time for real men and woman to return to power not false politicians. I live in Macon and we had Jim Marshall playing both sides for to long and then my own party ran Goddard, what a joke. The time has come for real men like Mac Collins to enter the race for the House or Senate. We need so honest people in office who care about people.
Thomas Miller
June 5th, 2009
12:29 pm
Roy Barnes is somone I can support since I voted for him in 2002. Since I volunteered for Obama and worked for his election maybe I can contribute something to a real Democrat and it isn’t insane “socialist” politics but pragmatic Democratic politics, We need to matter in this nation again, and not be seen as stereotypes.
David Johnson
June 5th, 2009
5:08 pm
The one most worthless two faced govenor’s that we have had recently. I will spend all my time fighting to stop this character from wining another race. There will be signs all over my business against him and his dirty politics. WE HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN THE FLAG!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Hill’s Blog Briefing Room » Barnes will run for governor
June 26th, 2009
2:10 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Barnes will announce his reclamation project early this [...]
Andy
July 1st, 2009
1:40 am
Mr. Barnes, Please encourage your opponent to run for President in 2012 with Alan Keys as his running mate. I am hoping that you can do this so we can all get a good laugh during the debates.
Be a gracious winner.
buy_vigrxplus
July 14th, 2009
8:45 am
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Chuck Hendrix
July 29th, 2009
9:42 am
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, again. I will support and vote for Roy Barnes. I for one think that experience counts for something. The fact that he served as Governor previously gives him a knowledge no other candidate possesses. I believe Mr. Barnes understands where his shortfalls lie from his past tenure as Governor. I also believe he understands what is important to the citizens of Georgia now. Sometimes our elected officials forget who they work for and that are supposed to represent their constituents and not themselves. No matter what, republican leadership (actually the lack there of), needs to put out of the picture. About the only thing any republican in the state legislature or the governors office are capable of leading might be a team of mules. Education, water, and budget, as well as transportation are of vital importance to advancing the state of Georgia out of the dark ages. I think Roy understands this and has a better chances of making advances than any other candidate. There is also a factor of electability, I think Roy is more likely to get elected than any other Democratic candidate, regardless his past experience as Governor. He has a well known name in the political arena and I think even a lot of Republicans are embarrassed about how their party has let them down and will vote for Barnes over any Republican candidate because they can’t trust their party. I could be wrong, but I don’t think so.
Joe Woodall
July 30th, 2009
12:20 pm
Please Take a look At these videos
“john goodwin the terrosit in action”
ther are 6 videos in all
thanks Joe Woodall
ElenaLisvato
August 4th, 2009
11:33 am
Wow! what an idea ! What a concept ! Beautiful .. Amazing …
krollins
August 14th, 2009
11:17 pm
I can’t believe anyone wants to give Barnes another chance, especially on education!!!
David Poythress is the only candidate out there with a constructive and responsible plan for our state.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ky3V_hUVmUA
I met David a couple weeks ago and he is the only politician I’ve ever met with such integrity. His military bearing really shines through and would make me proud to see that kind of ‘can do’ attitude in the capitol!!!
VOTE POYTHRESS!!!!
Adriana Helenek
November 21st, 2009
6:48 pm
I like him , and I will vote for him. He is real…. Everyone is better that Sonny ….
glockaholic
January 23rd, 2010
11:15 am
I am a Jew. I came to America from Soviet Union many years ago. Yesterday we celebrated Jewish Shabbat. One more religious guest told us a story how Jews became slaves in Egypt. The story was that Jews sold themselves to Egyptians for money, big promises, and rewards. Then eventually they were squeezed by Egyptians into a true slavery as we know it from history. Then we started talking about politics and the very same guest dropped a bomb. He said in words of Roy Barnes that their Jewish community will get anything they want if they deliver 1000 votes to his campaign. That friend said that he does not care about state of Georgia as long as his community will get pay backs from the government. The shocker was two-fold. One, the corrupted gubernatorial candidate sets forth instructions to bribery of his government. Two, the Jewish community, my community, agrees to sell themselves into slavery yet again. Thirty years ago I ran out of Soviet Union for many reasons. One of the biggest was government corruption. Here I see the corruption and greed is up again. Oh, boy! When we start learning from history?
jeremy little
February 23rd, 2010
8:23 pm
Now if i know my stuff right when barnes left office we was close if not had a surplus in the budget. Now were almost 1BILLION dollars in the hole. Thats what the republicans do for you lower taxes and waste money on stupid stuff. Even I can tell that dont work. Good luck Mr. Barnes ill vote for you.
Ima Ga Driver
March 14th, 2010
6:25 pm
At the risk of sounding crude, I’m sorry, but what the hell is Graham Balch smoking?
J.J. Hulsey retired Cobb County Police Officer
April 13th, 2010
12:30 am
Same ole Roy if you want a (clinton ,shumer ,pelosi.kennedy, tyrone brooks) type of person in the governors office then Barnes is your man ,personally I would not trust him with my dog J.J.Hulsey Jr. (former friend)
Maggy Martinez
April 21st, 2010
11:26 am
Serious!! We need to think really well when the people of this state took Roy Barnes out of the governamental branch. He is against teachers. I think the memory of the Gerogian people is short.
Kirk Morosky
May 12th, 2010
7:07 pm
I work for The Georgia Department of Transportation. While I do not wish furlough days on anyone all you here about from Mr. Barnes is teachers furloughs. GDOT employees have been furloughed since March ‘09. Teachers have had how many furlough days? Mr. Barnes and others running for Governor need to understand that there are voters in Ga. other than teachers. Mr. Barnes, what are you going to do to help the 5000+ GDOT employees along with the many other state employees that make far less than a teacher? We are trying to live to!!!!!!!
PEGW
May 24th, 2010
6:40 am
We do not want Roy Barnes back. He changed our flag the last time in office, claiming it was the right thing to do & he divided us more, just like Obama has divided the nation. We do not need another Democrat in office here in our state that thinks they can run over the American people & that is what Obama does & Barnes will be the same way. Our suffering through him the last time proved he is one of those that thinks he knows best of what is good for the people & does not represent anyone but himself. We want a good Republican as Governor & we have several good ones to choose from.
GAvoter
May 29th, 2010
12:26 am
Remember this is the SOB that changed our flag, he doesn’t deserve to run again, he is nothing but scum !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MARSHALL HORNUNG
June 6th, 2010
3:26 pm
Gov. Barnes is just what GA needs now…a real take charge leader!
waitsell cuthbertson
June 11th, 2010
1:47 pm
Roy Barnes is a true Christian with the right principals to lead in this day and time.
Steven
June 21st, 2010
9:37 am
Why where voters unhappy before? When divorced couples split and rejoin they find their differences more quickly and fall back into the same disagreements. Will voters find this to be true once this guy who can raise money quickly retakes the position of Governor? Are his supporters affiliated with the New World Order that the Bush family espouses? This guy could be a saint but it would be nice to know who pays his political bills. This goes for all politicians. We hear Obama saying international order instead of World Order which is just another way of saying one world government
but we heard these guys pledge to uphold the Constitution. Are they talking about the Constitution of the New World Order? The Federal Reserve Bank and its predecessors caused every recession and depression to harvest the wealth of the nation. At least that is what is President Garfield said before they killed him. President Kennedy said, “We are facing a monolithic and ruthless conspiracy”. We need to get together on auditing the Fed, the real enemy.
Steven126
June 21st, 2010
9:56 am
We need transparency in Government and if campaign promises are not met the candidate should step aside and let the candidate with he second highest number of votes take over. I hear echoes of, ‘no child left behind’.
The Platform should include a contributors list ie. AT$T .5 million; Standard Oil .25 million; etc.
gafruit
June 22nd, 2010
12:33 pm
To all you fools fuming over the “flag”. GET OVER IT!! You know good and well that ‘56 flag was a racist and traitorous reminder of Georgia’s past. IT WILL NEVER FLY AGAIN! I hope Obama makes it a crime to fly the thing anywhere in the USA. I will be voting for Roy Barnes.
Denise Harris
July 11th, 2010
1:07 pm
Mr. Barnes needs to be Governor again to straighten this mess the the state of GA is in. Barnes never neglect the mental health society as it being neglect now. His caring heart took time to listen everyone concerns not like our governor push the problems to someone or under the rug. Because making it easy for the rich. The people in GA will never get the right care because look who is over the mental health in GA they don’t only time they visit facilities when something go wrong. Their allow wrong doing and support the wrong of the staff. When someone file a complaint and the governor today support them.
Byron Thompson
August 24th, 2010
8:59 am
Former Gov Barnes is selling out to the class room teachers, everyone wants our quality of education to be on par with other enitites, but how are we going to pay for these “Barnes” promises. Higher taxes on the home-owners? We need better management in the government and I doubt that any democrat can provide. Higher taxes and loosely structured government is the democratic road-map……no thanks.
johnnybgoode
September 14th, 2010
4:44 am
These days the democrat party is scaring me to death. From Washington DC today to “King Roy’s” term eight years ago, their mentality is to rule rather than to serve, to tell us how to live rather than safeguard our right to choose for ourselves as individuals. I hope people have awakened enough to put them out of office everywhere possible. The alternative is high tax driven economic stagnation, boundless unaccountable bureaucracy, and creeping marxism.
Michael A. M. Brown
September 17th, 2010
6:44 pm
How can I support or volunteer to assist the Governor?
Michael A. M. Brown
September 17th, 2010
6:44 pm
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